Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback, is making a significant attempt to establish himself in sports broadcasting after a challenging start to his post-playing career. Initially hired by NBC in 2021, Brees was touted as a potential successor to Cris Collinsworth on Sunday Night Football. However, after just one season, he departed the network, taking three years before earning another opportunity in the broadcast booth.
Fox Sports brought Brees on board mid-season following the dismissal of analyst Mark Sanchez, who faced legal troubles stemming from an altercation. This move placed Brees on Fox’s No. 3 crew alongside play-by-play announcer Adam Amin.
Amin, who appeared on the Awful Announcing Podcast, described Brees’ approach to broadcasting as methodical and dedicated. “It’s pretty obvious he has studied, he’s watched, he’s talked to different guys,” Amin noted, emphasizing Brees’ willingness to learn and improve. Amin recognizes that transitioning from player to broadcaster requires rigorous coaching, a process he has facilitated with other analysts in the past.
Brees has taken a proactive approach to his development, engaging in a form of self-scouting reminiscent of his playing days. He reviews his performances, identifying areas for improvement – a practice that Amin appreciates, viewing it as indicative of Brees’ commitment to the craft.
Building chemistry between the two has been a priority, despite the short time frame they had to prepare together. Amin has made a concerted effort to connect with Brees beyond football, discussing their families and personal lives to forge a stronger relationship. “I have interest in him as a human being,” Amin said, recognizing that such rapport is crucial for effective broadcasting.
Amin regards Brees as a first-ballot Hall of Famer and sees his ambition as a key asset. “Drew is right there at the very, very, very top,” Amin remarked, highlighting Brees’ desire to excel in his new role. This ambition, however, also contributed to his struggles at NBC, where high expectations met with an on-air performance that didn’t quite match.
Early feedback from audiences seems promising, with positive reviews indicating that Brees has made strides since his NBC debut. Notably, he has worked to eradicate long pauses that hindered his initial performances, demonstrating his willingness to adapt and evolve in the broadcast landscape.
As Brees aims to solidify his status in sports media, the work and commitment he has shown suggest he is on the right path. Whether he ultimately achieves his goal of being among the best in the industry remains to be seen, but for now, he is deeply engaged in the process of ongoing improvement.
